News from The Labour Party

NEC agrees timetable for election of new Leader

Labour’s National Executive Committee yesterday agreed on a timetable for the election of the next leader of the Labour Party.

Acting Leader of the Labour Party, Harriet Harman MP, said: “Over the next few months, up to 4 million people will have the chance to help shape Britain’s progressive future by choosing the next leader of the Labour Party. The new leader will be unveiled at the start of this year’s annual conference on Saturday 25 September.

“This leadership election is an important opportunity for the Labour Party to reflect, renew itself and re-engage with the people of Britain.

“The timetable agreed yesterday will ensure the contest is open, engaging and energising. We will reach out to Labour Party members, to supporters in affiliated organisations and most importantly to the voters. Over the coming months, the candidates will meet thousands of people at meetings across the country, including events organised in workplaces and take part in innovative online discussions and campaigns.

“This leadership contest is Labour’s opportunity to re-engage with the British people, to be a constructive and powerful opposition to the new government and take forward the rebuilding of our party for the future challenges ahead.”

The timetable for the election of the next Leader of the Labour Party (updated to reflect NEC decision on nomination dates):

Monday 24 May: Opening of PLP nominations.

Wednesday 9 June: Close of PLP nominations.

Thursday 10 June: Deadline of acceptance of nomination by nominated candidates. Supporting nominations open.

June/July: Hustings will take place. The Labour Party will work with a range of organisations to ensure regional balance and encourage affiliates and third party organisations to organise workplace hustings involving members and supporters. We will explore new media hustings to ensure the public are able to take part in the process.

Monday 26 July: Close of supporting nominations.

Monday 16 August to Wednesday 22 September: Balloting takes place.

Wednesday 8 September: Freeze date for new members to join.

Saturday 25 September: Announcement of ballot result.

Other news from The Labour Party

• Miliband tells Cameron: Save 6,000 nurses by abandoning NHS reorganisation now - 5 February 2012
• "We need what you might call 'one nation banking'" - 3 February 2012
• Burnham: "Mental health must move from the edges to the centre of the NHS" - 31 January 2012